Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is estimated to affect as much as 3% of the population. A simple treatment of vitamin B12 injections along with folic acid supplements, even if it only helps a portion of those affected, would relieve much distress.
CFS, also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), is a little understood illness. It is diagnosed based on patients reports of symptoms – tiredness without cause or relief, headaches, muscle and joint pain, memory loss, loss of concentration. Many possible causes have been proposed, but the true mechanism of this illness is not understood.
ME, which is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a complex disorder characterized by extreme, remitting/relapsing fatigue that interferes with a person’s well-being and is not relieved by rest or recovery. Other symptoms include post-exertional malaise, muscle and/or joint pain, headaches, loss of memory or concentration, sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes and unrefreshing sleep.
ME shares features with fibromyalgia, a medical disorder characterized by widespread chronic musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, stiffness and numbness in certain parts of the body, headaches, sleep disorder and mood alterations. Both disorders can affect people’s ability to conduct simple daily tasks, compromising their quality of life. Women are usually more affected than men.
In her article published on Firbomyalgia News Today author Patricia Silva, PhD, outlines the recent study by Björn Regland et al that explores the relationship between vitamin B12 supplementation and patients reports of well being. The study found B12 injections produced “a true positive response” – great news.
Patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME, also called chronic fatigue syndrome) may respond most favorably to frequent vitamin B12 injections, in vital combination with oral folic acid. However, there is no established algorithm for individualized optimal dosages, and rate of improvement may differ considerably between responders.
…
Dose-response relationship and long-lasting effects of B12/folic acid support a true positive response in the studied group of patients with ME/fibromyalgia.
Sources
Response to Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Fibromyalgia – PLOS.org
Related Articles:
8 Surprising Reasons You Have No Energy - A list of reasons you could have lower energy than you should. The list isn t exhaustive or in depth, but B12 makes an appearance at #4.
Vitamin B12: Why Your Body Needs It and the Risks of B12 Deficiency - Vitamin b12 plays a key role in the overall function of the brain, nervous system, and even the formation of blood within the body.